August 10 – 19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
There are different degrees and types of fear, which can be caused by physical, psychological, social and even religious stimuli. Accounts of some of them appear in both the Old and New Testaments to warn us against lack of faith or distrust in God. For example, shortly after the first sin Adam responded to the Lord who was looking for him: “I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” (Gn 3:10). And of St. Peter, it is narrated that he miraculously walked on water, but “when he saw the wind, he was afraid” (Mt 14:30).
From another point of view, the Holy Scriptures also deal with fear as a factor in attaining virtue: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Prv 9:10). This reverential fear teaches us to trust in God’s power, to let go of earthly things and to face dangers with courage, because it is founded on faith, humility and love of God.
While the effects of natural fear are anxiety, agitation and dread, those of reverential fear are calm, serenity and trust. Those who suffer the former believe little in God; those who experience the latter draw closer to Him and seek holiness. This is how the responsorial Psalm of this Liturgy is best understood: “See, the eyes of the Lord are upon those who fear Him, upon those who hope for his kindness, to deliver them from death and preserve them in spite of famine” (33:18-19).
The Gospel, in turn, emphasizes new aspects of reverential fear when Jesus Christ says: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the Kingdom” (Lk 12:32). This exhortation, so marked by predilection, by confidence and certainty of victory, contains a promise of reward and glory for those who are faithful, echoed in another verse: “the master will put the servant in charge of all his property” (Lk 12:44).
The weak and timid disciples are favored by the Father’s benevolent gaze, which promises them the eternal Kingdom. Who pleased Him more than the Blessed Virgin? Jesus’ words recall the angelic greeting addressed to her: “Do not be afraid, Mary, for You have found favour with God” (Lk 1:30). The canticle of the Magnificat also expresses the wonder of the Almighty and the promise of glory made to Our Lady: “for He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed” (Lk 1:48).
Regarding this Gospel, Msgr. João comments:
“It was Mary who, within human nature, raised her virginal soul to magnify the Lord, making Him her treasure. […] She teaches us to consider this earth as a preparatory school for Heaven. For the treasures of this world perish, they are vile; frequently deceiving, unsettling and impoverishing us. […] The opposite holds true for heavenly treasures. They ennoble and console us, ensuring us of eternal happiness.”1
May our hearts be eager to enter this preparatory school for Heaven inaugurated by Our Lady, the foundation of which is humility, submission and the slavery of love for God. ◊
Notes
1 CLÁ DIAS, EP, João Scognamiglio. Is Prayer Alone Enough? In: New Insights on the Gospels. Città del Vaticano-Nobleton. LEV; Heralds of the Gospel, 2012, v.VI, p.276.
